MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The state department of transportation gave residents a better look at a nearly $14 million plan to move part of U.S. Highway 501 near the city’s oceanfront.
SCDOT says the intersection of U.S. 501 and Broadway Street is unconventional.
“I’ve driven it my whole life, but just driving it today, it’s almost like no matter how many times you drive it, there’s still a little bit of confusion and who turns where and what happens,” said Stacey Johnson, the project’s manager with SCDOT.
The intersection would be changed and 501 would be moved as part of a proposed $13.9 million project in Horry County’s Ride III program. Right now, as you drive towards the ocean, 501 curves left at Broadway Street, before merging with Kings Highway near the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion site.
In the realignment project, 501 would be straightened into Seventh Avenue North, including a new section of road between Broadway and Oak streets.
“It straightens up that intersection and other intersections to create a grid-like network throughout the whole section and area through here,” Johnson said. “It will improve traffic flow.”
More sidewalks and crosswalks would be added as part of the realignment to promote more pedestrian traffic in the five points district. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2022 and finish by fall 2023.
Some people at Tuesday’s informational meeting said the project could hurt businesses in that area.
Others said they hope it promotes economic growth a few blocks from the ocean.
“I think we all, as residents, can also enjoy some of the benefits of what will be developed in those areas,” said Reuben Hyman of Myrtle Beach.
In this project, the section of 501 between Broadway Street and Kings Highway would be turned into parking, walking areas or green space, as part of the city’s downtown master plan.
A meeting for that plan will be held at the Myrtle Beach Train Depot on Wednesday, with an open house from noon to 4:30 p.m. and a presentation from 6 to 8 p.m.
